Eight of Europe's biggest teams are gearing up for quarter-final draw on Friday morning. Spanish giants Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are present, as are current holders Bayern Munich, and 2013 beaten finalists Borussia Dortmund. Ligue 1 powerhouse PSG are in the mix, with Manchester United and Chelsea completing one of the strongest draw in past few years.
Six of the eight teams are former or reigning European champions. Bayern won last year's Champions League, Chelsea the year before, Barca the year before that. United last won it in 2008, Real in 2002 and Dortmund in 1997.
The quarter-final pairings are determined by an open draw in which no teams are seeded and clubs from the same national association can be drawn against each other. The side drawn first will play the first leg at home. The first legs will be played on 1 and 2 April, and the second legs will be played on 8 and 9 April.
For the first time in more than two decades that Manchester United are rated as the least likely side to progress from this stage as the current EPL champions have found it hard to settle under David Moyes. Out of these eight teams there are only two teams not still challenging for their domestic league title - United and Borussia Dortmund. Though German side Dortmund are second in the Bundesliga, there is no chance for them to compete in the competetion.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho could be in for a return to his old ground, Real Madrid; while his fomrer arch rival and now Bayerm's coach Pep Guardiola might also return to Barcelona. Fernando Torres could face his first club side, Atletico Madrid; while Wayne Rooney could be set to show Chelsea what they are missing if the English sides are drawn together.
PSG's star man Zlatan Ibrahimovic has the talent to win matches on his own. No defence will fancy coming up against this scorer of outrageous goals. While this season's dark horses Atletico Madrid have done superbly well to come out of the shadow of Real Madrid. Off late they have won Europa League, the European Super Cup, the Copa del Rey and are competing for La Liga title this season.
This is what the Champions League is all about; the very best in Europe facing off against each other and surely no one can wait for the draw.
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